Dhamma Talks - What Comes Before Wrong Or Right :: Buddhapadipa Thai Temple

When we talk about wrong or right, it seems to be the outcome of the action performed. What is behind the wrong or right, or what is ahead of wrong or right? In Itivuttaka, the Buddha explained this topic to his disciples, saying, “Monks, Avijja or ignorance is ahead of all unwholesomeness; all evil things follow ignorance and, on the contrary, Vijja or wisdom is ahead of all wholesomeness; all good things follow wisdom”.

Avijja or ignorance means;
1. Not knowing either wrong or right, and the path leading to suffering,
2. Not knowing the cause of suffering; where it comes from,
3. Not knowing the method leading to liberation from suffering,
4. Not knowing the path leading to the cessation of suffering.
Apart from these, it can be worse for us if we live an ignorant life.

Vijja or wisdom means;
1. Knowing either wrong or right and the path leading to suffering,
2. Knowing the cause of suffering; where it comes from,
3. Knowing the method leading to liberation from suffering,
4. Knowing the path leading to the cessation of suffering.
Apart from these, it can be better for us if we live a wise life.

It is true though, as we can see in our life; any time when life is overpowered by ignorance, it is painful and full of suffering, and any time life is led by wisdom, it is happy and joyful. With this, Buddhism gives most importance to education, and the application of right knowledge in life. When I mention education, what, really, do Buddhist people study? It is said that they learn from two sources; firstly from other things such as Buddhist scriptures, teachers, media etc. and secondly from within themselves, for instance the contemplation or consideration of the knowledge which they have learned. So they cannot be deluded and attracted to wrong ways.

Keeping your life on the straight and narrow path is the art of living a happy life; never doing evil and always doing good things and developing your wisdom through studying either what you don’t know, or what you do know but not clearly. Remember, wisdom comes before wholesomeness, so avoid ignorance.